Avoid expat communities, get into the 'real China' it will help your Chinese AND your enjoyment.

Expect some problems with D&V, until your system adapts (and possibly even then), keep some good strong medicine on hand.

Yes the toilets ARE that bad, nothing to do but hold your breath.

Driving is insane.

In Guanxi carry an umbrella everywhere from May - Sept (the rainy season) the rain comes quickly and suddenly.

Noodles or Baozi for breakfast is a good plan; find a good local shop and stick with it, it's a great way of getting to know some locals.

If you live and eat Chinese style life will be cheap, challenging and (in my opinion), fun, if you want to live and eat as you do at home, life will be expensive, you will be isolated and (again in my opinion) it won't be much fun.

Good luck and welcome, remember TIC (This Is China).

Don't get cheated and keep aware of everyone especially people who treat you well for no reason.....................chinese don't do that usually for the love of the good but some do it because they are good but no need to gamble just be aware of all...........yeah and don't try baijiu

Oh add to my last list, if you get desperate for 'normal' toilets, find the nearest KFC, the toilets are decent and in China you don't even need to buy anything to stay in the restaurant, heck some Chinese even bring their own food! (To the restaurant not the toilet.)

Seeing that you are living in Guangzhou, you picked a good place.  Lots of activities there and loads of good people.  (And for my money the best looking women in China.)

You will get out of China what you put into China.  It all depends on what your goals are.

Just remember that your not in Kansas anymore Toto.  This is their sandbox and their rules.  You will have days where you question the sanity of coming to China, but they go away quickly.  Just don't hold up in your room or hang out with only other expats.  Get out, explore, have fun and live on the edge.

My motto here has always been, "If 1.6 Billion people can do it and remain alive, then so can I."

What part of Guangzhou do you live in?  And what is a FOB?  I have been living in Guangzhou for about 6 years, so if you have any questions about the area, feel free to ask.

And welcome to China.

CONDOMS. Don't go getting anyone in trouble.

Hi Where are You from? It will be easier to point-out differences between here and Your homeland.

Don't ever accept invitation for "tea" or "massage" that You may experience on the street. Many of them are intro to scam.
Teahouses are all over, so massage parlors... 

As soon as You begin to eat chinese dishes - digestion problems pass away (Your body will adapt). 

Drink only well boiled water, or bought in shop. Filtration equipment can be good investment if You intend to stay for long in one apartment. 

Avoid using "maximum cooling" in air-conditioned places (also Your apartment), just set temp few degrees below outside.

Avoid very cold drinks, because also Your bacterial flora in throat will need some time to adapt (caching cold is very likely in first weeks).

Locals advised me to eat hot (spicy) meals, and it really works - the same sweating, but quicker adaptation to hot weather that we already have here (I'm near GZ).

If You are afraid of food, and have some basic cooking skills - You can try some simple dishes similar to what You had in homeland, then "migrate" to "more Chineese" cooking. Eggs are always good for a start ;) 

If You sweat a lot - buy small towels, and just keep it in the pocket or bag. Chinese uses it too

If You loosing a weight because of heat - avoid dehydration! It can almost kill You.

Alway's have on you:

- hand sanitizer

- tissue paper

- a hidden 100rmb (pickpockets happen)

- a camera

also: be sure yo keep all of your addresses in Chinese saved on your phone.

When You don't know addresses in Chinese - make a picture of it, and store in phone

it also works with characteristic points in the city - You can always just show it to the driver

take business cards from any place that are You interested in, or that is near some interesting place (hotels, restaurants, shops) - use it as a address card, even if You just go to some place near.

make Your own business card, with Chinese and English name, phone number, e-mail, etc. If You are working for some company - it should privide it for You.

put also one of those cards in every bag that You carry - to identify Your property

have ICE card, with instructions in english and chinese who should be called if You have problem, also blood type, alergies etc. should be described in it.

some insurance companies provides it, if You don't have those - just make it, and store in Your wallet

carry with You your passport, if it is possible - in weather resistant plastic case (or just in small plastic bag)

in cab - sit in the front and if driver not doing it - "break" the meter (if folded - meter works), and pay what You will see on the receipt printed + fuel charge on separate receipt (few RMB)

avoid unmarked "cabs"! especially "good looking" ones... audi etc... unless You want to pay few hundreds extra...

Look both ways many times when you cross the street, carry lots of tissue for many reasons. I had colds constantly, so wash your hands. I had antibotics and Imodium from home, so of course that saved me, I never needed any. If i didn't have them handy I'd have died.

 I lost 2 phones in China, one to a pick pocket, the other to my girl friend, guard your belongings well.

if you are in trouble with police then try not to speak Chinese otherwise they will get u in more trouble 

All of the above is good advice. Just to add, explore the local food and have fun. China is better than most people say and worse than most people imagine. After a year, that will make sense. Remember that there is a good chance you will get really sick after about a month. Some don't but a lot of people I've talked to have. It's just your body's way of adjusting. After that, you should be fine, except the normal digestive issues.

Don't fall for the first pretty girl who "brings you water," as the saying goes. China has lots of beauties, however, their notion of "romance" carries a lot different connotations than you've been taught back home. Live, learn, explore, and have a wonderful time.

If you need help, ask a question here, as there are many folks who have been here for a long time and can probably give you a great answer, saving you time, money, and energy.

"Welcome to China!"

Expect to get ripped off.

Don't feel guilty about bargaining or haggling for the best price. They won't worry about taking you to the cleaners. Hit 'em low!